Celeb Savant

Dr Victor - a South African Music Award-winning South African singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into a successful four-decade journey in the entertainment industry, as Dr Victor tells us how he became known as a 'Dr', how he and the band CC Beat originally started out performing in clubs in the '80s, how changing the band's name to the Rasta Rebels and the song 'Give Me Hope Jo'Anna' was the catalyst for the next phase of his career, and about his latest music. website - www.drvictormusic.com Facebook - @drvictormusic Twitter - @drvictorlive YouTube - @DrVictorMusic

Gareth Wilson - a South African seasoned music industry professional - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear about his diverse journey in the industry, which includes being in the rock bands Southern Gypsey Queen and more recently Black Cat Bones, how he became the talent buyer for Oppikoppi and the business development manager for Southern and Eastern Africa for Virgin Music. This episode was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa Instagram - @gwilly_jhb @theblackcatbones Facebook - @gareth.wilson.161 @TheBlackCatBones YouTube - @blackcatbones Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/za/artist/the-black-cat-bones/659586030 Spotify - https://shrtlink.ai/VeK0

Sofia Gillani - a British singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Sofia explains that she released her first single at 12, how releasing music professionally at such a young age has helped improve her craft, her creative process, and more. Instagram - @sofia.aneesa.gillani Facebook - @sofiaaneesagillani Twitter - @sofia_gillani TikTok - @sofiaaneesagillanimusic

Trina Smith - a British music consultant, producer, and artist manager - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. As a music industry powerhouse, we hear how when she started, Trina went against industry standards when managing artists. She unpacks how the industry, in general, is one where people step on each other rather than lift each other up, and about her roles in the agencies she co- owns - Electric Pineapple Media and founded - Sourcery Collective. Website - www.epmg.co.uk Instagram - @itstrinasmith @sourcerycollective @electricpineapplemedia

Nic Collins - an American drummer, songwriter, musician and member of the band Better Strangers - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nic explains how being in a famous family (his father is Phil Collins) inspired him to follow a similar path. We discuss the behind-the-scenes of the music industry, his band Better Strangers, and his experience of touring as a drummer with artists like Mike and The Mechanics and Genesis. Instagram - @nic_collins @betterstrangers.wav Facebook - @bttrstrngrs Twitter - @nic_collins21 @bttr_strngrs TikTok - @_nic_collins_ @betterstrangers.wav YouTube - @Nic_collins @BetterStrangers

Lorcia Cooper Kumalo - a South African dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, presenter, and SAFTA Award-winning actress - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Lorcia explains how she was pushed into dancing as a child, and how she was forced by choreographer Adele Blank to audition for the television series Backstage. We dive into the world of dance and acting, and find out more about her latest project on Showmax - Breekpunt. Instagram - @lorcia1cooper Facebook -@lorcia.cooper.1 TikTok - @lorciacooper1

Ryan Edwards - British CEO of the music technology company Audoo - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Ryan explains how he was part of a successful band, The Lines, that was dropped from their label. He then worked in the world of Fintech. Six years ago he heard his band's song while in a mall, and it sparked a conversation with his wife regarding royalties, which ultimately led to him building the multi-award-winning music technology company, Audoo. Website - www.audoo.com Instagram - @audoohq Facebook - @audoohq Twitter - @audoohq YouTube - @audoohq LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/audoo/

Mimi Webb - a British singer, songwriter, and artist who is on her way to international superstardom - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Mimi explains that she was signed to Epic Records at the age of 18 after only two demos, how she blew up on TikTok during lockdown... which helped catapult her career, and we hear more about her latest music, which includes her second album 'Confessions' and the collaboration with Meghan Trainor - 'Mind Reader' Website - www.mimiwebb.com Instagram - @mimiiiwebb Facebook - @mimiiiwebb Twitter - @mimiwebb TikTok - @mimiwebb_ YouTube - @MimiWebb

Nicky Bomba - an Australian singer, songwriter, and orchestra leader from ARIA Award-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nicky explains the importance of having a stage name to step into a character when performing live. He also explains what Ska music is, how the Melbourne Ska Orchestra came to be, and how it is different from a normal orchestra. Website - www.melbourneskaorchestra.com Instagram - @melbourne_ska_orchestra Facebook - @MelbourneSkaOrchestra Twitter - @MelbSkaOrchestr YouTube - @MelbourneSkaOrchestra

Cash Only - a British DJ, producer, record label owner, and entrepreneur - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Cash explains how he chose his stage name... and we dive into his multi-decade career, which includes how he started out by putting on Hedkandi events, how he built up a youth project business over 10 years which was sold for £21 million, and how he is successfully navigating the music industry after being away from it for a decade. Website - www.djcashonly.com Instagram - @cashonlynocards TikTok - @cashonlydj YouTube - @cashonlydj

Katie Rose - a British singer, songwriter, choir director, coach, and musical maestro - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Katie explains that she was fascinated by and explored how music and voice could connect a person to their inner self and support their well-being. We also hear about her multidisciplinary world in the industry - which includes leading choirs, her creative process, and why she is very careful which words she writes with. Website - www.therosewindow.org Instagram - @katierosewindow Facebook - @therosewindow YouTube - @Katierosewindow

Tight Fit are a British band with a lineup that includes Julie Harris, Denise Waterman and Steve Grant (Steve and Denise join us on this episode of Celeb Savant). We hear about their individual journeys in the entertainment world, how the band came to be, what they each did during the band's hiatus, and the reason behind getting back together and releasing new music. Website - www.tightfitofficial.com www.energiserecords.com Instagram - @watermancinders_tightfit @steve_tightfitx @julie.harris82 @energiserecordsuk TikTok - @steve_tightfit @watermancinders

Swing Out Sister - a British Grammy-nominated, singer, and songwriter duo - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Corinne Drewery and Andy Connell explain how, in the beginning, John Barry was the band's common ground, how the band's name was chosen and if they still hate it, how they were surprised by their initial success, and more about their latest 8 CD box set, Certain Shades of Limelight, released on Cherry Records. Website - www.swingoutsister.com Instagram - @swingoutsister Facebook - @swingoutsister Twitter - @swingoutsister YouTube -@swingoutsister-official6449

Guilford Adams - an American actor, professional clown, and director - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Guilford explains his journey in the acting and clown world, how the documentary 'American Clown' came to be, how the current clown culture is that of 'the horror clown' and what it means to be a clown. Website - www.gingerkidproductions.com www.losangelesclowncompany.com www.guilfordadams.com/guilford-adams-music Instagram - @gingerkidproductions @losangelesclown Facebook - @guilford.adams Twitter - @guilfordadams TikTok - @gillytheclown

Jay Mistry - a British music consultant and entrepreneur who has had a multi-decade career in the industry - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Jay details his expansive experience as we unpack the process of royalty tracking, how technology has changed the process and more. Website - www.jmconsultancy.biz Instagram - @jammusicpublishing @jmconsultancy_ Facebook - @jammusicpublishingUK LinkedIn - @jay-mistry-3494501

Barbara Nadas - a Hungarian singer and songwriter - joins us from Los Angeles on this episode of Celeb Savant. Barbara explains how she learned to play the drums from the age of 5, how singing later became her focus, and about her journey from performing with cover bands to becoming a successful emerging artist. Website - www.barbaranadasmusic.com Instagram - @barbaranadas Facebook - @barbaranadasmusic TikTok - @barbaranadas.music YouTube - @BarbaraNadas

Moonchild Sanelly - a South African singer, songwriter, and fashion designer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. After having interviewed Moonchild on the red carpet at a couple of events, the next step was to have 'A Legend Loading' on the show. Moonchild explains the symbolism of her stage name and image, how she is using collaboration to take her music to the world, and how she has been vulnerable on her latest album - Full Moon. Website - www.moonchildsanelly.com Instagram - @moonchildsanelly Facebook - @moonchildSA Twitter - @Moonsanelly TikTok - @moonchildsa YouTube - @TheeMoonchildSanelly

Nardia - an Australian singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Nardia explains how she grew up with music around her, which ultimately led to her becoming a professional in the industry. She explains her creative process, and how she balances her time as a solo artist and being part of the band Rambal. Instagram - @nardiamusic Facebook - @nardiamusic Twitter - @Nardiamusic TikTok - @nardiamusic YouTube - @Nardiamusic

Sindiswa Nhlapo - an emerging South African singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Sindiswa explains how having success performing covers on TikTok helped her decide to focus on being professional and creating her own music, how she pushed through when she felt challenged by creating her own music, and how she deals with the nerves of performing live. Instagram - @sindiswanhlapo_ Facebook - @ceenday.nhlapo.9 TikTok - @ceenday_19 YouTube - @SindiswaOfficial

Sonic Keys and Aria Cook - two Australian singers and songwriters - join us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear their individual journeys in the music industry, what they have each put into place to alleviate their self-critical brains, and how they came to collaborate on the song, 'The Long Way Home' Instagram - @ariacook_music @sonic_keys_music Facebook - @Aria-Cook-Music @Sonickeysmusic TikTok - @ariacookmusic @sonickeysmusic YouTube - @AriaCookMusic

Stacy Widelitz - an American Emmy-nominated composer, producer, and musician - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Stacy tells us about his multi-decade award- nominated journey in the entertainment industry (which includes writing scores for a number of movies and television shows), the story of how he became friends with Patrick Swayze, which led to them collaborating on 'She's Like The Wind', and his latest journey as a photographer. Website - www.stacywidelitz.com Instagram - @stacywidelitz Facebook - @swidelitz Twitter - @stacywidelitz

Boris Way - a French DJ, composer, producer, and NRJ Music Award nominee - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Boris explains how he discovered dance music on a family trip to Ibiza, how the Covid lockdown allowed him to reset his artistic direction (leading to 3 gold singles), and how he creates music. Instagram - @borisway Facebook - @boriswayofficial Twitter - @borisway TikTok - @borisway YouTube - @BorisWayOfficial

Ely Oaks - an Austrian-born, German-based DJ and Producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Ely shares how he was initially kicked out of bands because he was so terrible, and how having a dad and step-parents creating electronic music gave him the spark to pursue it himself… and he explains why he is happy that the electronic music world is very collaborative. Instagram - @elyoaks Facebook - @elyoaks TikTok - @elyoaks YouTube - @elyoaks

Steve Postell - an American singer, songwriter, composer, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Steve tells us how he is keeping the legacy of the late David Crosby alive, the various iterations of Steve's career in the entertainment industry, and about his latest album, Walking Through These Blues. Website - www.stevepostell.com Instagram - @postellsteve Facebook - @stevepostell1 YouTube - @stevepostell

Billy Raffoul - a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Billy tells us how he fell into the industry through his dad Jody (who is also a professional musician), why frequency is important when creating music, and about his upcoming tour of South Africa. Website - www.billyraffoul.com Instagram - @billyraffoul Facebook - @billyraffoul Twitter - @billyraffoul TikTok - @billyraffoul YouTube - @BillyRaffoul_Official

Luna - a Polish born, London-based singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Luna explains her experience of having synesthesia, how she started out singing classical opera music, and then decided to create modern pop and electronic music … and why representing Poland at the 2024 Eurovision contest was an intense experience. Website - www.musicofluna.com Instagram - @musicofluna Facebook - @musicofluna TikTok - @musicofluna YouTube - @Luna.Official

Maddox Jones - a British singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Maddox explains how he was raised in a Christian commune with no television or secular music, so he started playing guitar at the age of 7 to keep himself occupied. We also delve into his journey as the lead singer of the alt-rock band, The Departure, and his solo career. Instagram - @itsmaddoxjones Facebook - @itsmaddoxjones Twitter - @itsmaddoxjones TikTok - @itsmaddoxjones YouTube - @MaddoxJones

Timothy Moloi - a South African SAMA nominated artist and performer - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Timothy explains how studying a degree in musical theatre in Ohio helped him overcome his shyness and made him realise that he wanted to pursue a path in the entertainment industry. He also explains the balance of being in the spotlight and having a 'normal' life. He also tells us about the upcoming show, Swingin' Las Vegas - which will be on stage at the Teatro, Montecasino. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @timothymoloi @johannesburg_big_band Facebook - @TimothyMoloiOfficial @Johannesburgbigband Twitter - @timothymoloi TikTok - @timothymoloi YouTube - @Timothy_Moloi

Tom Gregory - a British singer and songwriter who has 1.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tom explains that after quitting university after one week because he hated it, forced him to realise that he wanted to pursue music professionally. Plus - what is surprising about becoming a professional musician, and how he stays motivated by expanding the goalposts. Instagram - @tomgregory Facebook - @tomgregoryofficial Twitter - @tgofficialmusic TikTok - @tomgregorymusic YouTube - @TomGregoryMusic

Tresor - a Congolese-born and South African-based singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur, and SAMA winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tresor shares how his parents came around to support him on his musical journey, what kept him motivated to keep going until he achieved success, and more about his creative process... which includes writing songs in English, French and Swahili. Website - www.tresorofficial.com Instagram - @tresorofficial Facebook - @tresor.official1 Twitter - @tresorofficial TiktTok - @tresorofficial_ YouTube - @tresorofficial

Llewellyn Cordier - a South African actor and director - joins us live in the studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. After interviewing Llewellyn twice on the red carpet, it was time to bring him into the studio and hear his story, which includes being told for many years that he would not succeed in the industry, eventually ignoring the negative feedback and pursuing a successful career. We also hear why he loves acting and about his latest project, Kings of Joburg season 3. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @superman_lrc Facebook - @llewellyn.superman Twitter - @llewellyncordie

Plum is a South African genre-blending band, represented by Kevin Leicher as the guest on this episode of Celeb Savant. Kevin explains how the band chose their name, why they originally broke up, what they did in between, and how they got back together after a 17-year hiatus. Instagram - @plum_mulp Facebook - @plum_mulp

Marcella Detroit - an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Marcella tells us about her multi-decade journey in the music industry, which includes collaborating with Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, amongst others, the challenge of shaking the image of being a background singer, the story behind Shakespears Sister and more. Website - www.marcelladetroit.com Instagram - @marcelladetroit Facebook - @marcelladetroitofficial TikTok - @marcelladetroit YouTube - @marcelladetroit

Pete Murray - an Australian multi-platinum selling singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Pete explains how a housemate triggered the idea of him learning to play guitar at the age of 21, how interactions and situations over time propelled him on his journey to success, and how he defied ageism in the industry by releasing his first commercially successful album at the age of 32. Website - www.petemurray.com Instagram - @petemurraymusic Facebook - @petemurray Twitter - @PeteMurrayMusic TikTok - @petemurrayofficial YouTube - @petemurray

Lauren Ray - a British artist, songwriter and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Lauren explains how she got distracted from creating music while studying her degree in Anthropology, how she funded the launch of her music career from a bank loan... and we also dive into the concept of why people have a fear of success. Website - www.laurenraymusic.com Instagram - @laurenrayofficial Facebook - @laurenraymusic TikTok - @laurenrayofficial YouTube - @laurenraymusic

Kuhle Adams - a SAFTA-nominated television host - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Having previously met and interviewed Kuhle on the red carpet at The Feather Awards, she tells us she knew from matric that her path would be as a television presenter, what surprised her about the profession when she became a professional presenter, and the importance of collaboration. Instagram - @kuhleadams Facebook - @RealKuhleAdam Twitter - @KuhleAdams TikTok - @KuhleAdams

Margaret Gardiner - a South African-born, American-based model, television personality, journalist, and author - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. Margaret tells us about her multi-decade journey in the industry, which includes being the first South African to win Miss Universe in 1978, her work as a fashion editor for the Golden Globes in Los Angeles and her new book, Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.margaretgardiner.com Facebook - @margaretgardinerpublicfigure Instagram - @margaret_gardiner Twitter - @MargaretGGG TikTok - @margaretgardineruniverse YouTube - @MargaretGardinerUniverse

Kev Sherry - a Scottish songwriter, indie singer, and musician - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Kev explains how having a cousin who was part of the Talking Heads motivated him to choose to become a professional musician. We also discuss the structure and creativity of a song, and the difference between being a soloist and being part of the bands Attic Lights and Disco Mary. Website - www.kevsherry.com Instagram - @kevsherrystuff Facebook - @kev.sherry.7 Twitter - @KevSherryStuff TikTok - @kev.sherry YouTube - @kevsherrystuff

Dench, an up-and-coming South African DJ, joins us on Celeb Savant. Dench explains the meaning behind his stage name. He explains how he always went to his first love of music while growing up, which ultimately led him to pursue it professionally... and what he did to achieve his goal. Instagram - @dench______ TikTok - @dench______

Casey McQuillen - an American-born, London-based singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant… from a tour bus in Budapest! In 2025, she will be performing to a quarter of a million people, supporting Loreen and Anastacia on their tours. Casey explains how and why she is comfortable with failure, and about her anti-bullying concert series - the 'You Matter' tour that was featured on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'. Website - www.listentocasey.com Instagram - @listentocasey Facebook - @ListenToCasey Twitter - @listentocasey_ TikTok - @listentocasey YouTube - @ListenToCasey

J.Brown - an American singer, songwriter and R&B Billboard chart topper - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. J explains how being successful at a talent show in college gave him the motivation to pursue a solo career in the industry, why he decided to return to the music world after a 10-year break and about his latest album release, Just a Matter of Time. Website - www.jbrownmusiconly.com Instagram - @jbrownmusiconly Twitter - @jbrownmusiconly TikTok - @jbrownmusic313 YouTube - @MusicByJBrown

Desiré Gardner - a South African actress, writer, and SAFTA and Silwerskerm award winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Desiré explains how she loves to escape to another world through her imagination, discusses her award-winning journey in film and television, which includes 7de Laan and Binnelanders… and her latest project which she has written, and can be seen on Showmax - Reënboogrant. Instagram - @desire_manthey_gardner Facebook - @desire.m.gardner TikTok - @desir.gardner

Schalk Bezuidenhout - a South African stand-up comedian, actor, and Comics Choice Awards winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. He explains how his initial goal was to become an actor, that he discovered stand-up at a later stage, how experience has allowed him to become an award-winning performer… and he talks about his latest project - the Showmax original film, ‘Soos Pynappel Op Pizza'. Website - www.schalkbezuidenhout.com Instagram - @schalkiebez Facebook - @schalk.bezuidenhout.101 Twitter - @schalkiebez TikTok - @schalkbezuidenhout YouTube - @schalkiebez

Conrad Sewell - an Australian singer, songwriter, and ARIA Award winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Conrad explains his journey in the music industry, which includes having his first band signed to a record label at the age of 17, the difference between being in a band to being a solo artist and what he enjoys about performing live. Website - www.conradofficial.com Instagram - @conradofficial Facebook - @ConradOfficial Twitter - @ConradOfficial TikTok - @ConradOfficial YouTube - @ConradOfficial

Whigfield - a Danish singer, songwriter and producer - joins us from Italy on this episode of Celeb Savant. Whigfield explains why she chose her stage name, the story behind how she became a Guinness Book record holder as the first artist to go straight to number 1 on the UK singles chart with a debut single, and why she says 'listening to music on Spotify is like having sex without the orgasm'. Website - www.whigfield.com Instagram - @whigfield Facebook - @realwhigfield Twitter - @realwhigfield TikTok - @realwhigfield YouTube - @WhigfieldOfficial

Gino Vannelli - a Canadian singer, songwriter, author, 7x Juno Award winner, and 4× Grammy Award nominee - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Gino tells us what keeps him motivated to create music and perform live, and what inspires his creativity. We also discuss various aspects of the entertainment industry, which he has successfully been part of for multiple decades. Website - www.ginov.com Instagram - @officialginovannelli Facebook - @GinoVannelliOfficial Twitter - @GinoVOfficial YouTube - @GinoVannelliVEVO

Darren Kiely - Irish top 40 chart singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Darren explains how he balances the flow of creativity and the structure of strategy, what it's like to now have a team behind his career, and his upcoming tour to South Africa. Website - www.darrenkiely.com Instagram - @darrenkielymusic Facebook - @darrenkielymusic Twitter - @TheDarrenKiely TikTok - @darrenkiely YouTube - @darrenkielyy

Arwen Lewis - an American singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Arwen is the next generation of success - her grandmother is Oscar winner Loretta Young, and her father, Peter Lewis, is a founding member of Moby Grape. Arwen tells us about how having family in the industry may have helped her, we discuss the current music industry landscape and more. Website - www.arwenlewismusic.com Instagram - @arwenlewis Facebook - @ArwenLewisMusic Twitter - @lewis_arwen YouTube - @arwenlewis8522

SOMA - an Australian singer and songwriter joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how SOMA started playing the piano at the age of 5... how at the age of 16, she bought a native instruments machine, which motivated her to pursue music professionally, and about her latest mixtape release - Cobra. Instagram - @somasutton Facebook - @somasuttonmusic TikTok - @somasutton YouTube - @soma.music.

Jamie Fine - a Canadian singer, songwriter, and 5-times Juno Award nominee - joins us for a second time on Celeb Savant. Jamie catches us up on what has been happening in her world since we last spoke, which includes why she became and what it means to be an independent artist, unpacks the world of social media, and her upcoming South African tour. Website - www.jamiefinemusic.com Instagram - @jamiefinemusic Facebook - @jamiefinemusic Twitter - @jamiefinemusic TikTok - @jamiefinemusic YouTube - @JamieFine

Goo Goo Dolls - John Rzeznik from The Grammy Award-nominated American punk band - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. With 15 million records sold worldwide, John tells how they chose the band's name, why they keep creating music after all these decades, and about their upcoming South African tour. Website - www.googoodolls.com Instagram - @googoodollsofficial Facebook - @googoodolls Twitter - @googoodolls TikTok - @googoodollsofficial YouTube - @thegoogoodolls